Metal shooting targets

ABSTRACT

A metal shooting target is provided. The target is a modular metal shooting target including a base assembly, a post, and a target member. The post is coupled between the base assembly and the target member. The base assembly, the post and the target member may be assembled and disassembled into component parts. The base assembly for a modular metal shooting target includes a first side member having slots; a second side member having slots; and a cross member having hooks on each end of the cross member. The hooks are coupled to the first side member and the second side member through the slots in the first side member and the second side member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent applicationentitled “METAL SHOOTING TARGETS,” Ser. No. 62/401,047, filed Sep. 28,2016, now pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedentirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

This invention relates generally to metal shooting targets and moreparticularly to modular metal shooting targets.

State of the Art

The use of metal shooting targets provides many different benefits. Forexample and without limitation, a shooter receives visual and audiofeedback that a target has been hit by his or her shot. This allows theshooter to identify whether the intended target was hit or not. The realtime visual and audio feedback provided by metal targets allows for ashooter to increase accuracy and assists in the programming of musclememory. This is accomplished by the shooter's muscles working to repeatthe same result previously achieved in the real time feedback. This realtime feedback can enhance training, speed, and accuracy. Having multiplesenses invoked during this training process conditions the shooter tobecome a more powerful and effective shooter. Additionally, metaltargets provide significant entertainment for all skill levels ofshooters.

The existing metal targets do have their limitations. The targets aredifficult to transport because of their size, they are difficult tosetup, and repair requires tools that are not readily available at arange or shooting location. These existing metal targets requiresignificant setup and take down time in order to shoot at and lack abase that can be setup on uneven ground.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved metal shooting target.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular metal shooting target,wherein the metal shooting target can be assembled and disassembled,wherein the disassembled condition, the metal shooting target isseparated into component parts, and in the assembled condition, thecomponent parts are assembled to for the metal shooting target. Thisallows for easy transportation of the metal shooting target by reducingthe amount of space required to transport the metal shooting target.Further, assembling the metal shooting target does not require use ofany bolts.

An embodiment includes a modular metal shooting target comprising: abase assembly; a post; and a target member, wherein the post is coupledbetween the base assembly and the target member, and wherein the baseassembly, the post and the target member may be assembled anddisassembled into component parts.

Another embodiment includes a base assembly for a modular metal shootingtarget comprising: a first side member comprising slots; a second sidemember comprising slots; and a cross member comprising hooks on each endof the cross member, wherein the hooks are coupled to the first sidemember and the second side member through the slots in the first sidemember and the second side member.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more detailed description of theparticular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a center mass silhouette metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a center mass silhouette metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a center mass silhouette metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a center mass silhouette metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a dueling tree metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a dueling tree metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a dueling tree metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dueling tree metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a hanging gong metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a hanging gong metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a hanging gong metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a hanging gong metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a silhouette hostage metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a silhouette hostage metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a silhouette hostage metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a silhouette hostage metalshooting target according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a silhouette metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a silhouette metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of a silhouette metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a silhouette metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a swinger metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of a swinger metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a swinger metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a swinger metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a paper target stand according toan embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a paper target stand according toan embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a paper target stand according toan embodiment;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a paper target standaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a plate rack metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of a plate rack metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of a plate rack metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of a plate rack metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a side perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a popper metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of a Texas star metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of a Texas star metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of a Texas star metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a Texas star metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a school bell metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of a school bell metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of a school bell metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view of a school bell metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of a popper metal shooting targetaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of a popper metal shootingtarget according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to amodular metal shooting target, wherein the metal shooting target can beassembled and disassembled, wherein the disassembled condition, the meatshooting target is separated into component parts, and in the assembledcondition, the component parts are assembled to form the metal shootingtarget. This allows for easy transportation of the metal shooting targetby reducing the amount of space required to transport the metal shootingtarget. Further, assembling the metal shooting target does not requireuse of any bolts.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment includes a metal shooting target10. Target 10 includes a base assembly 20, a post 12 and a targetassembly 30. The base assembly 20 may be formed of a first side member22, a second side member 24 and a cross member 26, wherein the crossmember 26 is coupled between the first side member 22 and the secondside member 24 to form the base assembly 20. The first side member 22and the second side member 24 may include slots 23. Cross member 26 mayinclude hooks 27, that may be, without limitation, L-shaped hooks. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1-4, the hooks 27 correspond in location to the slots23 in the first and second side members 22 and 24 respectively. Thehooks 27 may be inserted through the slots 23 and hooked over a bottomof the slots 23 in order to couple the cross member 26 between the firstside member 22 and the second side member 24. Further, first and secondside members 22 and 24 have feet that extend downward and away from acenter portion, wherein the center portion is coupled to the crossmember 26. This provides four points of contact and thereby allows thebase assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stablebase even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet mayinclude an aperture for further securing to a ground surface withhardware, such as but not limited to stakes.

The cross member 26 is coupled to the post 12, wherein the base assembly20 supports the post 12 in a vertical position extending from to a topsurface of the cross member 26. Cross member 26 may be a C-shaped memberwith a post slot formed through a top surface of the cross member 26.The post slot, according to particular embodiments, may have a shapethat corresponds to the shape of post 12. For example and withoutlimitation, post slot may be V-shaped to correspond to an elongateV-shaped post 12. This allows the post 12 to be coupled to the crossmember.

The target assembly 30 may include a fixed target member 32 and a firstmoveable target members 35 and a second moveable target member 36.Moveable target member 36 may be coupled to fixed target member 32 usingbrackets 34, wherein each bracket 34 include a hook and an aperture,wherein the hook extends through corresponding slots in the fixed targetmember 32 and protrusions of the first moveable target member 35 engagethe apertures of the brackets 34. This allows the first moveable targetmember 35 to rotate with respect to the brackets 34 and therefore withrespect to the fixed target member 32. The first moveable target member35 may be coupled to the fixed target member 32 wherein the firstmoveable target 35 is located at an aperture 31 of the fixed targetmember 32. The first moveable target member 35 operates as a center masstarget of the fixed target member 32 that operates as a silhouette. Thesecond moveable target member 36 may be coupled to the fixed targetmember 32 using bracket 37, wherein bracket 37 include a hook thatengages a corresponding slot in the fixed target member 32 and furtherincludes a hook upon which a slot formed in second moveable targetmember 36 engages and hangs from. It will be understood that more thanone second moveable target member 36 may be coupled to the fixed targetmember 32, wherein each second moveable target member 36 is coupled tothe fixed target member 32 using a bracket 37.

Fixed target member 32 may be coupled to post 12 using attachment system38, wherein attachment system 38 comprises brackets 230, a firstmounting plate 231 and a second mounting plate 232. Each bracket 230includes a body portion with a hook member on an end and two slots on aside of the body portion, wherein the hook member extends to one side ofthe body portion and the slots are formed in a side of the body portionopposite the side the hook member extends. The hook member of eachbracket 230 engages a slot on a bottom edge of the fixed target member32 and the body portion of the bracket 230 engages the fixed targetmember 32, wherein the brackets 230 are located in parallel position toeach other. The first mounting plate 231 includes two slots that engagea lower slot in each bracket 230 that are horizontally aligned, and thesecond mounting plate 232 includes two slots that engage an upper slotin each bracket 230 that are horizontally aligned. The first mountingplate 231 includes a recess that engages and secures to the post 12. Themounting recess may include an edge that corresponds to the profile ofthe post 12, such as, but not limited to a V-shaped recess. The secondmounting plate 232 includes an aperture that corresponds to the shape ofthe post 12, wherein the post 12 may be inserted through the aperture ofthe second mounting plate 232. The post 12 may include a protrusion thatretains the attachment system 38 in a fixed location on the post 12.

Further, the mounting plates are sized and shaped to engage the brackets230 to hold the fixed target member 32 at a predetermined angle 14 withrespect to a line 16 perpendicular to the top surface of the crossmember 26. The fixed target member 32 held at predetermined angle 14operates to direct the bullet fired at an angle toward a ground surfaceupon hitting the fixed target member 32. This operates to reducericochet of the bullet toward the shooter and provides a safer target10.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 5-8 depict a metal shootingtarget 40. As depicted, target 40 is a dueling tree metal target. Target40 includes a base assembly 20, a post 12 and a target assembly 50. Thebase assembly 20 includes the components as described above. However,the slots 23 formed in the first side member 22 and the second sidemember 24 are angled, wherein the cross member 26 is coupled between thefirst side member 22 and the second side member 24 at an angle. Thisangles the post 12 at a predetermined angle 14 with respect to a line 16perpendicular to a ground surface on which the target 40 is assembledand supported by.

The target assembly 50 includes a plurality of target members 52 with aplurality of upper brackets 54 and a plurality of lower brackets 56.Each target member 52 is coupled to an upper bracket 54 and a lowerbracket 56, wherein each target member 52 includes a hook or protrusionor extension that extends through apertures in the upper bracket and thelower bracket 54. The upper brackets 54 and the lower brackets 56 arecoupled to the post 12 on a back surface and are substantially aligned.The extension of the target member 52 engages the apertures of one upperbracket 54 and one lower bracket 56, wherein the target member 52 isrotatable from one side of the post 12 to the other. In operation thetarget member 52 rotates from one side to the other of the post inresponse to being shot by a bullet. The angle of the post 12 atpredetermined angle 14 operates to direct the bullet fired at an angletoward a ground surface. This operates to reduce ricochet of the bullettoward the shooter and provides a safer target 40.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 9-12 depict a metal shootingtarget 60. The target 60 includes a horizontal support 62 and four legs64. The support 62 is coupled to the four legs 64 through slotengagements. The target 60 further includes a first hanger 66 and asecond hanger 68 that include a hook and a T-shaped section. TheT-shaped sections are inserted through respective slots and allow thehook to extend below the horizontal support 62. A target member 70includes apertures that engage the hooks to hang the target member 70below the horizontal support 62. The target member 70 forms a “gong” aspart of a hanging gong target.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 13-16 depict a metal shootingtarget 10 in accordance with an embodiment. The target 10 comprises abase assembly 20, a post 12, a first target member 30, and a secondtarget member 80. The base assembly, post and first target member 30 aresimilar to the base assembly 20, post 12 and target member 30 describedwith respect to FIGS. 1-4. The second target member 80 includes ahorizontal member 82 that is coupled to the post 12 utilizing anattachment system 38, similar to the attachment system 38 described withrespect to FIGS. 1-4. The attachment system 38 with includes hangers 86utilized to hang first targets 84 and second target 88. Additionally,first target member 32 further includes a rotatable target member 85that is coupled to the fixed target member 32 by use of brackets 83 andbrackets 87. Brackets 83 include apertures for receiving protrusions oftarget member 35 as described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. Further,brackets 87 are coupled between brackets 83. Brackets 87 compriseapertures that receive and extension of target member 85, wherein targetmember 85 is rotatable from one side of the fixed target member 32 tothe other side of fixed target member 32. This operates in similarfashion to the dueling tree target described in FIGS. 5-8. Target 10 asdepicted in FIGS. 13-16 is commonly referred to as a silhouette hostagetarget.

Another embodiment of metal shooting target 10 is depicted in FIGS.17-20. The target 10 includes a base assembly 20, a post 12 and a fixedtarget member 32. The base assembly 20 and the post 12 identical to thatas described with regard to FIGS. 1-4. Further the fixed target member32 is the same as that described with regard to FIGS. 1-4 without anaperture there through. Fixed target member 32 is coupled to the post 12through attachment system 38. This embodiment is referred to as asilhouette target.

An embodiment includes a target 90, such as a swinger target as shown inFIGS. 21-24. Target 90 comprises a base assembly 100, a post 128, afixed silhouette frame, and a swinger target member 120. The baseassembly 100 comprises a first side member 102, a second side member104, a first cross member 106, and a second cross member 108. Crossmembers 106 and 108 may include hooks 111, that may be, withoutlimitation, L-shaped hooks. As depicted in FIGS. 21-24, the hooks 111correspond in location to the slots 109 in the first and second sidemembers 102 and 104 respectively. The hooks 111 may be inserted throughthe slots 109 and hooked over a bottom of the slots 109 in order tocouple the cross members 106 and 108 between the first side member 102and the second side member 104. Further, first and second side members102 and 104 have feet that extend downward and away from a centerportion. This provides four points of contact and thereby allows thebase assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stablebase even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet mayinclude an aperture for further securing to a ground surface withhardware, such as but not limited to stakes.

The first cross member 106 comprises apertures in a top surface of thefirst cross member 106, wherein the apertures may receive verticalmembers 92. Typically, vertical members 92 are formed of wood and areutilized to couple a silhouette to, such as a paper silhouette.

The second cross member 108 is coupled to the post 128, wherein the baseassembly 100 supports the post 128 in a vertical position extending fromto a top surface of the second cross member 108. Second cross member 108may be a C-shaped member with a post slot formed through a top surfaceof the second cross member 108. The post slot, according to particularembodiments, may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of post 128.For example and without limitation, post slot may be V-shaped tocorrespond to the V-shaped post 128. This allows the post 128 to becoupled to the second cross member 108.

The post 128 is coupled to and supports a swinger target member 120.Swinger target member 120 comprises body portion 122, wherein twosupport members 94 are coupled to body portion 122. The support members90 operate to couple a silhouette to. The body portion includes acounter weight 124 adjustably coupled to weight support 130. The swingertarget member 120 comprises a rotation device 126, wherein the bodyportion 122 is coupled to the rotation device 126 through a shaft oraxle. The rotation device 126 includes a hub and spindle. The hub mayinclude races, inner bearing, outer bearing, grease seal and connectors.In some embodiments, the hub may be a trailer hub, such as a four bolttrailer hub. The swinger target member 120 comprises a stop target 132,wherein stop target 132 prevents the swinger target member 120 fromrotating. In order to activate the swinger target member 120, the stoptarget 132 must be shot away, thereby allowing the swinger target member120 to rotate and swing.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 25-28 depicts a metal shootingtarget 140 according to an embodiment. Target 140 includes a baseassembly 100. The base assembly 100 comprises a first side member 102, asecond side member 104, and a cross member 106. Cross member 106 mayinclude hooks 111, that may be, without limitation, L-shaped hooks. Asdepicted in FIGS. 21-24, the hooks 111 correspond in location to theslots 109 in the first and second side members 102 and 104 respectively.The hooks 111 may be inserted through the slots 109 and hooked over abottom of the slots 109 in order to couple the cross member 106 betweenthe first side member 102 and the second side member 104. Further, firstand second side members 102 and 104 have feet that extend downward andaway from a center portion. This provides four points of contact andthereby allows the base assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces andprovide a stable base even if there are rocks or other debris in theway. The feet may include an aperture for further securing to a groundsurface with hardware, such as but not limited to stakes.

The cross member 106 comprises apertures in a top surface of the crossmember 106, wherein the apertures may receive vertical members 142.Typically, vertical members 142 are formed of wood and are utilized tocouple a silhouette to, such as a paper silhouette. Vertical members 142may be secured by securing device 144. Securing device 144 may be athreaded securing device, such as, but not limited to a bolt.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 29-32 depict a metal shootingtarget 150 in accordance with an embodiment. Target 150 may be referredto as a plate rack and may comprise at least two base assemblies 20, apost 157 corresponding to each base assembly 20, a front plate 154, atarget support 155, a target reset assembly 152, a target resetting arms159, a plurality of target members 156 and a plurality of targetbrackets 158. The base assemblies 20 comprise the same components asdescribed previously with regard to base assembly 20. The post 157extends from the cross member 26. The posts 157 support brackets, uponwhich the front plate 154 and target support 155 are coupled using acombination of hooks and slots to couple these components together.Further target reset assembly 152 is coupled to the front plate 154 andtarget support 155. The target members 156 are operatively coupled tothe target support 155 with brackets 158. The brackets 158 allow thetarget members to rotate backward in response to being shot by a bullet.The target reset assembly 152 allows for a quick reset of all of thetarget members 156, wherein the target reset assembly 152 comprisescomponents that engage target resetting arms 159, wherein the targetresetting arms 159 engage the target members 156 and move them back intotheir original position in response to operation of the target resetassembly 152.

Another embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 33-36 as metal shooting target160, which may be referred to as a knock down popper target. Target 160comprises a first side plate 162, a second side plate 164, a first crossmember 163 and a second cross member 165. First cross member 163 andsecond cross member 165 are coupled between the first side member 162and the second side member 164. Further, first and second side members162 and 164 have feet that extend downward and away from a centerportion. This provides four points of contact and thereby allows thebase assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stablebase even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet mayinclude an aperture for further securing to a ground surface withhardware, such as but not limited to stakes. A popper device 180 may beoperatively coupled between the first side member 162 and the secondside member 164. The popper device 180 includes an axis 182, an angleadjustment device 178, a stopping device 184, a bracket 186, and arubber stop device 179. The bracket 186 couples the target member 170 tothe axis 182. The angle adjustment device 178 is operated by extendingor retracting and extension member, such as but not limited to a bolt orrod that is operatively coupled to the stopping device 184. The angleadjustment device 178 controls the angle at which the target member 170rests so that the deflection of bullet fragments can be guided. Thetarget member 170 rotates backward in response to being shot by a bulletuntil engaging the rubber stop device 179 The stop device 184 operatesas a stop of the rotation of the popper device 180 to set the targetmember 170 in its original position.

Referring to the drawings again, FIGS. 37-40 depict a metal shootingtarget 200 according to an embodiment. Target 200 may be referred to asa revolution target or a Texas star target. The target 200 comprises abase assembly 20, a post 12, a target assembly 210 and a rotation device126. The base assembly 20, the post 12 and the rotation device 126 havebeen previously described in this disclosure and operate the same withthe same components as previously described. The target assembly 210comprises a plurality of target members 202, arms 204 corresponding toeach target member 202, lock mechanisms 206 corresponding to each targetmember 202, and a body portion 212. The arms 204 are coupled to the bodyportion 212 on one end of the arms 204 and the target members 202 areoperatively coupled to the arms 204 on an opposing end of the arms 204from the body portion 212. The lock devices 206 operate to hold or lockthe target members 202 in a position to be shot until the target members202 are shot. The body portion 212 is operatively coupled to therotation device 126 with the shaft or axle of the rotation device 126.The target 200 further comprises a reset lock 214 to temporarily lockthe body portion 212 in a fixed position for assembly or resetting ofthe target members 202 to prevent injury and to make assembly anddisassembly easier.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 41-44 depict a metal shootingtarget 10 according to an embodiment. Target 10 may be referred to as aschool bell target. The target 10 comprises a base assembly 20, a post12, a fixed target member 220, and an attachment system 38. The baseassembly 20, post 12, and attachment system 38 have been previouslydescribed and are the same structures as depicted in FIGS. 41-44. Fixedtarget member 220 is similar to fixed target member 32. Fixed targetmember 220 comprises an aperture 221. The target 10 further includes amoveable target member 226 coupled to a bracket ringer 224 and bell 222.Moveable target member 226 is coupled to the fixed target member 220 ina manner similar to other moveable target members as described herein.When moveable target member 226 is shot, it moves and activates theringer 224 that rings school bell 222.

Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 45-48 includes metal shooting target250, that may be referred to as a resetting popper target. Target 250comprises a first side plate 162, a second side plate 164, a first crossmember 163 and a second cross member 165. First cross member 163 andsecond cross member 165 are coupled between the first side member 162and the second side member 164. Further, first and second side members162 and 164 have feet that extend downward and away from a centerportion. This provides four points of contact and thereby allows thebase assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stablebase even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet mayinclude an aperture for further securing to a ground surface withhardware, such as but not limited to stakes.

Each side plate 162 and 164 may further include an adjustment slot 240having stepped slot portions. The target 250 includes a rod 242 thathold a spring 244 on one side of the spring and the rod engages eachadjustment slot 240 in the first and second side members 162 and 164. Abracket 172 couples the target member 170 to the side members 162 and164 and allows the target member 170 to rotate. The end of the spring244 not coupled to the rod 240 is coupled to a bottom portion 171 of thetarget member 170. The target member 170 rotates backward in response tobeing shot by a bullet and the spring 244 returns or pops the targetmember 170 back up. The tension and of the spring 244 may be adjusted bylocating the rod 242 in a different stepped slot portion of theadjustment slot to preload the spring 244 by stretching the spring 244.This can adjust the force required to rotate the target back, therebyrequiring a more direct hit to rotate the target member 170 backward.Additionally, the tension of the spring 244 may also determine the speedat which the target member 170 rotates back up to its original position.

It will be understood that all of the targets shown in the figures maybe assembled and disassembled. Each target is assembled without the needfor bolts and the like. The components may be generally coupled togetherusing hooks and slots. While coupling using hooks and slots is shown, itwill be understood that other types of coupling may be utilized in orderto assemble the target, so long as it does not include the use of boltsand the like.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit andscope of the forthcoming claims.

1. A modular metal shooting target comprising: a base assemblycomprising: a first side member comprising slots; a second side membercomprising slots; and a cross member comprising hooks on each end of thecross member, wherein the hooks are coupled to the first side member andthe second side member through the slots in the first side member andthe second side member; a post; and a target member, wherein the post iscoupled between the base assembly and the target member, and wherein thebase assembly, the post and the target member are assembled anddisassembled into component parts.
 2. The target of claim 1, wherein thecross member is a C-shaped member with a top surface, a front surfaceand a bottom surface.
 3. The target of claim 2, wherein the C-shapedmember comprises a post slot extending through the top surface.
 4. Thetarget of claim 3, wherein the post is coupled to the post slot of thecross member.
 5. The target of claim 4, wherein the post is an elongateV-shaped post and the post clot in the C-shaped cross member is aV-shaped slot.
 6. The target of claim 4, wherein the target member iscoupled to the post at a predetermined angle with respect to a lineperpendicular to the top surface of the cross member.
 7. A base assemblyfor a modular metal shooting target comprising: a first side membercomprising slots; a second side member comprising slots; and a crossmember comprising hooks on each end of the cross member, wherein thehooks are coupled to the first side member and the second side memberthrough the slots in the first side member and the second side member.8. The base assembly of claim 7, wherein the cross member is a C-shapedmember with a top surface, a front surface and a bottom surface.
 9. Thebase assembly of claim 8, wherein the C-shaped member comprises a postslot extending through the top surface.
 10. The base assembly of claim9, wherein the post slot of the cross member is configured to receive apost therethrough.
 11. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the postslot in the C-shaped cross member is a V-shaped configured to receive anelongate V-shaped post therethrough.
 12. The base assembly of claim 10,wherein the post slot is an angled slot, wherein the angled post slot isconfigured to hold the post at a predetermined angle.
 13. The baseassembly of claim 7, wherein the hooks are L-shaped hooks.
 14. The baseassembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second side members eachcomprise feet that extend downward and away from a center portion,wherein the center portion is coupled to the cross member.
 15. A modularmetal shooting target comprising: a base assembly comprising: a firstside member comprising slots; a second side member comprising slots; anda C-shaped member with a top surface, a front surface and a bottomsurface, the C-shaped member comprising hooks on each end of the crossmember, wherein the hooks are coupled to the first side member and thesecond side member through the slots in the first side member and thesecond side member; a post; and a target member, wherein: the post iscoupled between the base assembly and the target member; the targetmember is coupled to the post and held at a predetermined angle withrespect to a line perpendicular to the top surface of the cross member;and the base assembly, the post and the target member are assembled anddisassembled into component parts.
 16. The target of claim 15, whereinthe C-shaped member comprises a post slot extending through the topsurface.
 17. The target of claim 16, wherein the post is coupled to thepost slot of the cross member.
 18. The target of claim 17, wherein thepost is an elongate V-shaped post and the post slot in the C-shapedcross member is a V-shaped slot.
 19. The target of claim 17, wherein thepost slot of the cross member is an angled slot, wherein the angled postslot is configured to hold the post at a predetermined angle.
 20. Thetarget of claim 7, wherein the first and second side members eachcomprise feet that extend downward and away from a center portion,wherein the center portion is coupled to the cross member.